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Trakka’s desirable Torino is now available with a fully automatic transmission, for a price. Words and photography by Richard Robertson Trakka’s Torino picked up a gong in our annual awards a couple of years ago, and with good reason. It’s a well thought out, well built and highly practical conversion that makes the most of Fiat’s excellent Ducato van. Small enough to double as a second car if needs be (it legally seats five), about the only drawback has been the lack of an automatic transmission. Until now… True automatics are virtually nonexistent in light commercial vans the size of the Fiat. Mercedes and Ford offer their Sprintshift and Smart Shift ‘automatics’, respectively, but these are best described as mechanically assisted manuals. Yes, Mercedes does a five-speed auto Sprinter with a bigger engine, but the SWB model is shorter and narrower than a Ducato while the LWB is much longer. This leaves the Ducato as the only ‘real’ automatic van large enough to viably modify, but small enough for a single car space. Fiat doesn’t officially offer automatic Ducatos from the showroom. But if you really want one (and can afford the extra $9000 plus) it’s yours. The cost isn’t pure profiteering, as you’ll read further on, but the result is unique. The next model Ducato, due in 2007, will apparently include an auto at a much more affordable price. The Vehicle Regular readers will know the Ducato is my favourite van; it’s comfortable, quick, economical and well priced. Although the automatic adds a large chunk to the price the van comes very well equipped. Things like dual airbags, ABS, cab air-conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, are all standard. Power comes form a four cylinder, 2.8L intercooled, turbo-diesel that produces 94kW and 300Nm which, in standard form, drives the front wheels through a five-speed manual gear box. Automatic Ducatos undergo local open-transmission surgery, as the manual gearbox is removed and the new one’s fitted. The transmission selector replaces the old gear lever, while the dash receives an LCD gear position display between the speedo and tacho. It’s a costly, labour-intensive exercise but the final result is very neat. Sadly, the new unit is only a four-speeder, although with a lock-up top gear for relaxed highway cruising. The conversion is covered by Fiat’s excellent three year/180,000km national warranty that includes roadside assistance. The Ducato also only requires scheduled servicing every 30,000km, including oil changes, and has an onboard service indicator to let you know if and when things need attending to. Driving Already light and easy to drive, the automatic simply adds to the pleasure. Around town it’s zippy and easily keeps abreast of traffic, while on the open road only steep hills and long inclines reveal the limitations of the four-speed automatic. But flick the gear selector to the left and the transmission goes into Tiptronic mode, allowing you to change gears manually. This is handy in steep terrain – especially downhill – and for urgent overtaking, as the new box doesn’t like to kick down, even when stomped on. I particularly like the way the auto changes down as you slow, taking some pressure off the brakes, and how it doesn’t instantly run away to the highest gear once underway. Due to the positioning of the dinette/bed, the driver’s seat-travel is compromised. You sit too close to the wheel for my liking, and even with the tilt-adjustable steering column ‘up’, your right knee is only just shy of the considerably sized ignition key – at least if you’re tall. Some sort of dinette redesign would be well worthwhile. About my only other criticism is the positioning of the pedals, which are small and too close together; a consequence of conversion from left-hand drive and due to the intrusion of the wheel arch. I’d also like to see the speedo re-marked, as the 50/70/90/110-kph markings are at odds with local convention. On The Outside Trakka uses the Ducato window van for its Torino conversion. This means there’s plenty of glass all around, although only two windows open; one on the sliding door and the other opposite, behind the dinette. A Fiamma awning and awning light is standard, as is an electric Omni Step and a removable table that attaches to a rail on the sliding door. Up top there’s a large sliding roof hatch, while underneath are the 80L fresh and grey water tanks. Gas capacity is just 4kg, but this only has to supply the stove as hot water comes from a very efficient 16L heat exchange system which can also run off mains power. A pair of 90ah house batteries are provided, but alas, no standard solar panels. Open the rear doors and there’s extra storage space and access to the toilet cassette, plus holders for the awning winder and outdoor table. About the only glaring omission is a mains water connector, which is common across the Trakka range. The test Torino – a Trakka demonstrator – sported many options. Externally, these included metallic paint, alloy wheels, an alloy bullbar and a Winegard TV aerial. Inside, the list comprised leather cab and lounge seats, airconditioning, GPS and an Orion 14in LCD TV/DVD combo. This little lot adds a whisker over $13,000 to the base price of $89,950 (plus $9350 for the automatic) taking the total to a hefty $112,480 – plus on roads. In The Kitchen For a small van the Torino has loads of kitchen space, and it’s nicely out of the way of the side door and dinette. Standard appliances include flush mounted Cramer three-burner gas cooker and sink units (both with glass lids), a Dometic integrated rangehood, a 17L Sharp microwave and an 85L Indel B 12/240V compressor fridge. Only the lack of a grill, and electronic ignition for the cooktop stops me from scoring the kitchen more highly. Cupboard space is good, with a small slide-out pantry, while the high-mounted fridge is at just the right height. Ditto the microwave. There’s even a small rubbish bin inside a cupboard. At The Dinette With its stylish, optional leather finish, the dinette not only looks good, it works well too. L-shaped like the kitchen, it’s directly opposite the sliding side door and is easily accessed, although you do have to watch the small step up. Able to seat four and with a decent sized table that stores away when not required, the dinette also features three seat-belts, making the Torino a true five-seater. Both cab seats swivel to varying degrees, with the passenger’s seat being the most useful for casual dining and entertaining. The large windows are quite panoramic, while the sliding roof hatch and screened side windows make for good airflow. The optional Heron 2.2 split-system air-conditioner is very efficient, doesn’t add to the roof height and can direct cool (or heated) air into the kitchen and dinette at the same time. However, for cold weather camping I’d be ordering the optional Webasto diesel-fired heater with bathroom outlet. In The Bedroom If you’re under 5ft 10in and not too big – the bed will probably suit you fine, especially if you’re travelling on your own. But we found the bed too short and a bit too narrow, with the driver’s armrest getting in the way, along with the chamfered aft corner. It’s just over 1.8m long and about 1.25m wide, and quite comfortable in its own right, but it’s the biggest compromise of the vehicle. Having said that, the bed is a clever design, with the main base unit of the dinette sliding forward, and the backing cushions fill in behind them. And it takes just a minute to set up or put away. Keeping Clean Talk about a room with a view! Positioned in the driver’s side rear corner, the Torino’s bathroom has the biggest window I’ve seen in any vehicle, courtesy of the standard Fiat glass. Fortunately it has an equally big (waterproof) curtain. Despite an apparent lack of space, the bathroom works surprisingly well and is very well equipped. Apart from the inevitable Thetford cassette toilet there’s a generous hand basin by the window, with a flick-mixer tap and pull-out shower head that can also be mounted on the wall. There’s a mirror, a screened turbo vent with two built-in downlights, and two cupboards; the one beneath the sink being surprisingly roomy. The shower floor is unusual, featuring a deep tray with a central sump and a water pump, covered by a red cedar floor grate. It’s a terrific system that actively pumps water out as you shower. Worth Buying? If you’re single or a couple looking for a compact but fully-featured motorhome, Trakka’s Torino should be high on your shopping list. Taller folks will have issues with the bed and driving position though. Apart from that it’s a beauty. The automatic Ducato provides city driving convenience virtually unavailable elsewhere, and is comprehensively equipped to boot. Trakka’s conversion is up to their usual high standards, while the thoughtfulness of design and attention to detail puts them amongst the very best in the industry. The auto Torino isn’t cheap – especially if you want all the toys – but what a great and truly versatile machine it is. SPECS Contact
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